New Jersey Camp Shopbot

[billp]

As posted a few days ago, the REAL date for the third annual NJ Camp Shopbot will be on Sat. Oct 26th...I'm hoping to have the date on Shopbot's web page corrected shortly..
So far the usual suspects have started to call/e-mail me that they are planning on attending. We have had over 40 people attend both of our first two sessions, and we expect the same again this year..
As far as topics go it's the usual situation of "what do you want to cover?". I plan to do a few sessions on using Artcam Pro and Insignia, as well as Millwizard, to do 3 dimensional work on the 'Bot. I'll also have a little session on boatbuilding for anyone interested.
Now it's up to anyone else wanting to do something here to notify me . It can be a 5 minute lesson on how you do a particular process, or a simple 'fix' you have discovered for programs people use on a regular basis. I'll have a few machines running, as well as a few computers to play on. The "offcial"day of the Camp is Saturday, but as we found out last year that can mean from Friday, until Sunday night..
We'll keep running regular notices here to give you an idea of what to expect. For those new to the 'Bot world the N.J. Camp is held in Toms River, which is about 70 miles South of NYC, 50 miles north of Atlantic City, and 45 miles East of Philadelphia. I'll post hotel/motel info in the next few weeks so people can guarantee rooms, and I'll try to get a "rate" for Shopbotters as we did last year..
More to follow, but please let me know once you get your plans worked out so we can plan accordingly..Bill P.

[towers]

Sign me up! Sound like a great chance for this newbee to learn from the pros. Anyone from Massachusetts that would like to ride share?

My e-mail billthorpe@charter.net

[edcoleman]

Glad to see you are conducting the camp again this year Bill. It has been a great oportunity for everyone to meet and swap tips and techniques. See you in October!

-Ed

[superiorsignshop@yahoo.com]

Bill, Bob Richardson and I will be attending your workshop again this year. Really looking forward to the opportunity to share and learn. This is an excellent opportunity for anyone to learn from some of the best, and have a blast doing it.
Can't wait....
Doug

[billp]

Doug, Thanks for the RSVP..I've started to hear from a number of 'Botters, and a few prospective owners as well. We should have a bunch of new faces this year, and I'm waiting to get some feedback as to what everyone would like to cover. We'll be doing some of the "standard"sessions on holdowns, vacuum jigs, etc. And I'm going to try and have a short session set up for a few boatbuilders who want to use Artcam to rough out half hull models...
I will post full directions to my shop here in a few days, and I'm waiting for a reply from the local hotels as to any rates they can/will provide for us..
Looking forward to seeing you guys again..

[jfhammond@kwic.com]

I would be interested in the camp. I'm also a newbie and want to use the bot to produce boat parts and possibly kits.

I coming from Ontario, Canada.
Just a little 10-12 hour drive for me I guess.

Jim Hammond
www.innerbayboats.com

[billp]

Here's an update;
New Jersey Camp Update

I've gathered some hotel/motel info for those of you travelling to the Camp. The closest place to stay is the Super 8 motel. It's a half mile from the shop, and if you were ambitious enough you could walk here.. Last year a lot of 'Bot pilots stayed there and said it was fine. They have a weird deal on the room rates; the more people staying there will drop the rates. If at least 8 rooms are booked under "Shopbot" (make sure you tell them you are with our group..) the rates are cut 15%, if 12 or more stay there, etc., etc.Their number is 732-657-7100
The next closest place is the Quality Inn. It's larger, and has a full facility restaurant, etc. They need at least 10 rooms to be booked before they will give a "rate" for us. They are about 3 miles from the shop, on the same highway..Their number is 732-341-2400.
If you can't get a room in either of those places the next closest facilities are Holiday Inn-732-244-4000, and Howard Johnson's Motor Lodge-732-244-1000. Neither of these places has responded with "rate" information. You might also consider trying the online reservation services for these chains , as their deals are usually lower than a local quote.
You should look into your reservations soon, as there are always some sort of festivals, conferences, etc. in the area that time of year.
If you are flying in from out of the area you can try for connections to Atlantic City (50 miles), Philadelphia (50 miles), and Newark Airports (60 miles). I will post driving info in the next week for those of you coming via vehicle.
We've started to get a few calls regarding things people would like to do/see. Chip Marshall has volunteered to do a little session on the Porter Cable router, in particular changing brushes, and what it takes to change your own bearings. I'll have promo materials on MAS epoxies and there will be some here for you to work with if you would like to improve your glopping skills.
I'd still like to hear from those of you planning on attending so we can get a better handle on the logistics of things. I know we are weeks away yet, but if you even THINK you might attend, please get back to me so I can try to figure what we need to make this work best for everyone…

[superiorsignshop@yahoo.com]

Bill: A couple of things I would like to see regarding the software thing: How to "cut by color" with the shopsbot software(regarding different depths)and of course, the 3D programs (Millwizard, ArtCam Pro) and others. Also, I think some files brought by attendees and cut for others to see the entire process would be valuable to all, albeit a bit time consuming on the cutting time. I know from attending your camp last year and ShopBot's get together, there is a world of knowledge just waiting to be shared. Thanks to you for all your effort.
Counting the days.....Doug

[bjwat@comcast.net]

Bill,
What's the fee for the workshop? Count me in! I haven't decide whether I will drive the hour both days or stay over yet.

Thanks again for taking the time out of your busy schedule last week to show me the ShopBot and what it can do! I know that you had a lot going on. I am looking forward to sharing ideas with you in the future and especially attending the workshop next month.

I got a quote today for a machine from Chris@ShopBot. Looks like I will be going to the bank tomorrow to get a check and send it out.

I am having a custom 5X16' machine made for me with Colombo router and plasma cutter. I just heard that the plasma torch control is on hold for 3 months until they can get safety issues worked out, but I am going to order it now, and when it comes I'll be ready for it. I am sure that the router alone will present enough of a learning curve with my present workload.

So...I too will soon be a fellow ShopBotter.
There isn't a secret handshake or anything is there?


Regards,
Brady
bjwat@comcast.net

[billp]

Brady, there is no fee for the Camp, just get your self here. Of course since you are a "new guy" we'll make you stand up and sing the official "Shopbot song"for us ( if anyone cares to write one between now and then...).
This year's group looks as eclectic as ever, and I think we'll have a number of interesting uses, and modifications represented..
If for some reason you can't get here for the Camp, call me and we'll get together so you'll be ready to use your machine once it is up and running..Bill P.